An Insider's Guide to Nashville, Tennessee: Where to Stay, Eat and Play

Hit the honky-tonks on Broadway: You can’t visit Nashville without experiencing the live music scene. Head to Broadway, where neon lights, honky-tonk bars and live music fill the streets. From legends like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to newer spots like Ole Red, you'll find music that’s often free and always lively. It’s not just country either — there’s blues, rock and everything in between.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame: Even if you’re not a die-hard country fan, the Country Music Hall of Fame is worth a visit. The exhibits offer an in-depth look at the history of the genre, with costumes, instruments and recordings from country legends. Plus, the building itself is an architectural marvel, designed to resemble the keys of a piano.

Tour the Ryman Auditorium: Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic music venues in the world. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history (it was originally a tabernacle!) or catch a live show — plenty of artists still perform here, and it’s a special experience.

Explore East Nashville: For a more laid-back vibe, spend an afternoon in East Nashville. This neighborhood has a creative, artsy spirit, with lots of indie boutiques, cafes and local restaurants. Check out The Shoppes on Fatherland for unique gifts, or grab a coffee at Barista Parlor. At night, catch live music at spots like The Basement East.

The Johnny Cash Museum: A must-visit for fans of The Man in Black, the Johnny Cash Museum showcases a collection of memorabilia from Cash’s life and career, including instruments, costumes and handwritten lyrics. It’s a small but well-curated museum that packs a lot of history into a few rooms.

Biscuit Love: When in the South, you simply must have biscuits. And Biscuit Love delivers. What started as a food truck has turned into one of Nashville’s most beloved brunch spots. Get the "Bonuts" (fried biscuit dough with lemon mascarpone), or go for a classic like the East Nasty — a biscuit topped with fried chicken, cheddar and sausage gravy.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: No trip to Nashville is complete without indulging in some hot chicken. Hattie B’s is a local favorite and serves up heat levels ranging from mild to "Shut the Cluck Up." The chicken is crispy, juicy and packed with flavor, and you can cool off with Southern sides like pimento mac and cheese and collard greens.

The Catbird Seat: For a more upscale dining experience, The Catbird Seat offers a tasting menu that changes frequently based on seasonal ingredients. This is one of Nashville’s most celebrated restaurants, where the open-kitchen setup lets you watch the chefs work their magic. It's a bit of a splurge, but if you're into creative, elevated cuisine, it’s worth every penny.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant: For a laid-back, down-home meal with live music to match, Puckett’s is a Nashville staple. Originally a small grocery store, Puckett’s has become famous for its Southern comfort food — think pulled pork, fried catfish and meat-and-three plates (a Southern tradition where you pick one meat and three sides). Grab a seat, enjoy the live local music and dive into hearty, classic fare that’ll leave you feeling full and happy.